Honda Civic Coupe, 2012

 

 

 

 

Honda Civic Coupe, 2012

The all-new 2012 Honda Civic represents the ninth generation of one of the company's most popular and globally recognized products. Having earned a reputation for being a fun-to-drive compact that is simultaneously fuel efficient, sporty, stylish and durable, the Honda Civic has become a beloved and relied-upon member of the worldwide transportation family. Cumulatively, the Civic has reached 8.8 million customers in the United States through 2010 since its launch as a 1973 model.

Model Lineup
The automotive landscape has rapidly evolved in the last decade with increased interest in fuel economy, low emissions and overall affordability. All of these traits are among the Civic's strongest advantages. The new 2012 Civic lineup further embraces these concepts with six different variants that span from ultra efficient to high performance, with specific models designed to better meet individual needs and preferences. For 2012, a highly affordable and highly efficient Honda Civic HF has been added to the lineup. The aero-enhanced Civic HF achieves an estimated highway fuel economy rating of 41 miles per gallon, two more mpg than the regular Civic Sedan, and the highest highway fuel economy rating in America for any gasoline-only compact sedan equipped with an automatic transmission.

Powertrain
Honda has long been known for its world-class engine technology and a continuous process of innovation and improvement. At the core of Honda's powertrain engineering is the ongoing pursuit of greater performance, enhanced fuel economy and low emissions. The 2012 Civic model range embodies Honda's ongoing effort to offer a wide range of powertrain choices including gasoline, hybrid and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that offer unique solutions for different buyers.

An advanced 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine is standard in the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic HF, with a choice of a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission (automatic only for Civic EX-L Coupe, Civic EX and EX-L Sedans, and Civic HF). A variant of the same 1.8-liter engine develops 110 horsepower in the compressed natural gas (CNG) powered Honda Civic Natural Gas, which comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The performance-oriented Si model has a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, matched with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. And finally, the Civic Hybrid is powered by an ultra-efficient 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist producing 110-horsepower. This is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic HF and Civic Natural Gas Powertrain
The Honda Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic HF and Civic Natural Gas benefit from an updated and refined version of the 1.8-liter I-4 engine that powered the previous generation Civic. The new engine has extensive changes that reduce friction, improve emissions performance and increase fuel economy.

The engine is a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder design with 16 valves, i-VTEC®, and a dual-stage intake manifold. In the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic HF, the engine produces 140 horsepower at 6300 rpm, and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. In the Civic Sedan and Coupe, the 1.8-liter engine has an estimated EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 28/39 miles per gallon when equipped with automatic transmission.

Honda Civic Si Powertrain
The 2012 Civic Si is powered by a new 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is the largest and most powerful of any Civic introduced in the United States. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine is an all-aluminum design that uses four valves per cylinder (16 valves total), a high-performance version of the i-VTEC® system and a specially tuned high-volume intake manifold. The Civic Si produces 201 horsepower - up four horsepower from the 2.0-liter engine it replaces. The i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve-control system, new friction-reducing technologies and extensive weight control measures helps the Civic Si deliver exhilarating acceleration, improved fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

The new larger displacement engine in the Civic Si delivers peak power at a more accessible 7000 rpm compared to the previous Si engine's 7800 rpm power peak. The engine's increased displacement results in a substantial 22-percent increase in peak torque. The new 170 lb-ft rating occurs at just 4400 rpm, 1700 rpm lower than the previous engine's 139 lb-ft at 6100 rpm. Even with its increase in displacement, horsepower and torque, the 2012 Civic Si has an estimated EPA city rating of 22 mpg (up 1 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si) and increases highway fuel economy with a rating of 31 mpg (up 2 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si). In addition, the Civic Si engine meets strict Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) emissions standards.

Honda Civic Hybrid Powertrain
The newest-generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system fitted to the Civic Hybrid uses a gasoline engine as the primary source of power while an electric motor provides additional power and electricity regeneration capability. The new IMA system consists of a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine connected to a larger, more powerful electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A new Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the upgraded 23-horsepower electric motor. The new Lithium-Ion battery is more powerful, lighter and more compact than the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery it replaces.

Body
The new 2012 Honda Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe are the most aerodynamically and aggressively styled models in the model's history - and also the most functional and versatile in how most Civic customers like to use their cars. As in past years, both 5-passenger sedan and 5-passenger coupe body styles are available. The sedan design is sophisticated and efficient, while the coupe is more dramatic and exciting. Both are highly aerodynamic, including a sleek windshield angle with narrow A-pillars (and thinner C-pillars in the Coupe) for excellent outward visibility, numerous under-vehicle aerodynamic aids, and even low rolling-resistance tires on all models except Civic Si.

Civic Sedan Design
Though roomier inside than previous models, the 2012 Civic Sedan adds a sophisticated flair while retaining the Coupe's dramatic styling character. Its four doors provide improved utility, with excellent ingress and egress for all passengers. In back, the trunk lid gracefully meets the rear window and seamlessly ties in with the overall styling of the car. Standard are 15-inch diameter steel wheels with full wheel covers, 15-inch aluminum wheels for the Civic HF, 16-inch aluminum wheels for the Civic EX and Civic EX-L models, and 17-inch aluminum wheels for the Civic Si.

Civic Coupe Design
Everything about Honda Civic Coupe says this is a driver's car, with the short, wide front fascia generating an aggressive overall look. Adding to the Civic's distinctly sporty and dynamic flavor are wide, angular headlights, a bold grille, and fog lamp openings in the lower fascia. A wedge design continues along the Civic Coupe body side, with the hood, windshield and cabin all forming decisive character lines that create a strong sense of motion. The high rear deck further reinforces the Coupe's dynamic wedge styling, while a functional rear lip spoiler and 16-inch aluminum wheels on Civic EX and Civic EX-L models (17-inch wheels on the Civic Si) add to its clear sporting intentions.

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is a pioneering Honda unit-body construction technology. Introduced to Civic in the 2006 model, it increases the body's ability to disperse crash energy in a frontal collision and is anticipated to help deliver top safety ratings.

Rigid Unit-Body Construction and Energy-Absorbing Crush Zones
The Civic's aerodynamic unit-body structure plays a strong role in helping both the coupe and sedan achieve their expected high fuel-economy and projected top safety ratings, but it also contributes to a smooth, quiet ride and a fun-to-drive character. A rigid body allows for noise and other disturbances to be more efficiently isolated by bushings and other dampers throughout the vehicle.

Increased Use of High-Strength Steel
Both the Honda Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe feature a rigid and lightweight unit-body design made possible by increased use of high-strength steel. The 2012 Civic Sedan now uses 55 percent high-strength steel, compared to 50 percent in the previous generation. This contributes to a 7-percent reduction in body weight compared to 2011 Civic Sedan. Although the body structure is now lighter, static and dynamic rigidity are 10 percent better.

The Aerodynamic Enhancements
The 2012 Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe are just as aerodynamically efficient as their appearance suggests, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, improved handling at higher speeds and lower levels of interior noise. The improvements are the result of extensive modeling and testing conducted during the design process.

Examples:

•     A guide under the front bumper directs the flow of air into the engine compartment for cooling.
•     Lightweight plastic parts under the engine bay, the fuel tank and parts of the rear underbody enhance airflow.
•     Front spoiler and strakes ahead of the front and rear tires help direct air flow around the tires and wheel wells.
•     A new flat under-floor significantly improves aerodynamic efficiency by helping air to move over, around and under the vehicle - resulting in a significant 3.4-percent lower coefficient of drag as compared to the 2011 Civic.
•     Low-drag side mirrors reduce wind noise by minimizing turbulence (Civic EX and Civic EX-L models also include heated side mirrors).

Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights
All 2012 Honda Civic models are equipped with multi-reflector halogen headlights with an auto-off feature (Auto On/Off on EX-L, Hybrid and Si) for confident nighttime driving, along with a dynamic and dramatic appearance. The auto-off feature automatically turns off the headlights when the key is removed from the vehicle. Inboard mounted halogen high beams offer further nighttime driving confidence with a crisp, bright and focused light beam. The halogen high beams serve double-duty as the daytime running lights (DRL) by operating at a lower voltage. All Civic models include a headlights-on reminder.

LED Brake Lights on Civic Hybrid
The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid's taillight system features attention-grabbing LED illumination for the brake lights and soft glowing surface lighting for the taillights. The sculpted, 3-dimensional look of the units adds a distinctive and technical styling element to the rear view of the Civic. Additionally, LED lighting uses less power and longer service life compared to traditional tungsten light bulbs, which is consistent with the vehicle's emphasis on efficiency.

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Honda Accord, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Honda Accord, 2011

The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan's exterior expresses a more upscale and powerful presence with a new style for the front grille, front bumper and rear deck lid, along with a new wheel design.

Building on the sedan's design character, the Honda Accord Coupe's unique muscular stance is enhanced with a bolder front grille design, new front bumper shape, enhanced brakelight appearance and a new wheel design for V6 models.

Striking a balance between value and luxury, the Honda Accord SE Sedan offers the additional features from the popular Honda Accord LX-P with the added luxury of leather-trimmed seating, heated seats, driver's power-lumbar support and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

New features on certain models include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe, a USB Audio Interface on all coupe models and Honda Accord EX and EX-L Sedans, and a rear view camera on sedans equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Additionally, Honda Accord EX-L V6 models receive a two-position memory system for the driver's seat. Additional interior updates on all models include new seat fabrics on models with cloth seats, an updated instrument panel design and more-refined accent points throughout the interior.

Interior styling on all models provides attainable luxury with generous standard equipment, world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and to complement the Honda Accord's sporty side. The fold-down, rear seatback offers cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis.

A 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Honda Accord EX and EX-L Sedans and Accord LX-S, EX and EX-L Coupes. The 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine in the Honda Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans produces 177 horsepower.

The available 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine produces 271-horsepower and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. Preliminary EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 2011 Accord V6 Sedan are 19 city/30 highway mpg, an improvement of 1 mpg in highway driving.

The performance-oriented Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission has a unique 3.5-liter V6 VTEC engine (without VCM) that provides a performance-tuned valvetrain, intake and exhaust system to broaden the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range for enthusiast-level performance.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on 4-cylinder models and a 5-speed automatic is available. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on V6-powered models. A 6-speed manual transmission is available exclusively on the Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe.

For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

The double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension inspire confident handling performance while also providing a comfortable ride. The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on the model.

Three audio systems are available - all with MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating FM radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Honda Accord EX Sedan and LX-S Coupe add a 6-disc in-dash changer.

A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Honda Accord EX Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models, and includes a six-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio is standard equipment on all Honda Accord EX-L models.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (available on Accord EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey® guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Honda Accord EX and EX-L Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly with compatible mobile phones.

The Honda Accord Coupe (4-cylinder) has 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, with 18-inch alloys standard on the Honda Accord V6 Coupe. All Accords feature four-wheel disc brakes.

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Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept, 2011

 

Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept, 2011

Mugen of Japan has built a Honda CR-Z Mugen RR design concept to demonstrate Mugen's capabilities in terms of function, style, performance and agility. The Honda CR-Z Mugen RR was produced by M-TEC in Japan for show purposes only and there are currently no plans for further production.

The Honda CR-Z Mugen RR has been created with many bespoke prototype parts, several of which are created in carbon fibre, including the bonnet, passenger doors and rear tailgate. Other features unique to the car include a full length carbon-fibre underbody, a twin central-exit exhaust, vented front bumpers and race-developed suspension. Orange 4-piston monobloc brake calipers and forged 18-inch alloy wheels both complement the vibrant Valencia Orange Pearl exterior paint work.

The Inside, the seats are clad in Mugen-branded colour-coded leather/Alcantara. The addition of a race-developed information screen has the ability to record chassis and engine data as well as housing a Satellite navigation and audio system. This high tech kit will monitor the car over two laps to "learn" a circuit and then record lap data and vehicle tracking using GPS.

The design concept was unveiled for its world debut at the beginning of July 2011 in the Moving Motor Show area at Goodwood Festival of Speed and complements the high-performance Honda CR-Z Mugen, which was designed and built by Mugen Euro based in the UK.

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Honda CR-Z, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

Honda CR-Z, 2011

The Honda CR-Z‘s exterior styling is formed around a "one-motion wedge" concept with a low bonnet line and wide stance giving the car a confident, athletic look. Signature Honda design features, such as the split level rear glass hatch and aerodynamic, shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The overall power output of the engine and IMA system is 124 PS and a healthy 174 Nm of torque. The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-litre Civic and arrives at just 1500 rpm, a level where previously only turbocharged engines deliver their maximum. Even with torque levels directly comparable with a Civic, the Honda CR-Z emits 35 g/km less CO2 than its conventionally powered cousin. Other harmful exhaust emissions are also very low and the Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack can be recycled through Honda dealers, at the end of the vehicle's life.

For the first time, a fuel efficient, low emission parallel hybrid system is combined with an ultra precise 6-speed manual gearbox. The manual gearbox is a core part of the driver engagement Honda's engineers wanted to bring to the Honda CR-Z model. The flexibility of Honda's unique IMA parallel hybrid system allows it to be used with a range of transmissions, not just CVT-based gearboxes.

The manual transmission is complemented by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, which is new to Europe and is a key component in the Honda CR-Z's unique character. This powerful, yet efficient engine is based on the engine fitted to some non-European versions of the Jazz. The eager to rev nature of the medium capacity engine, is enhanced by the additional 78 Nm of torque provided by the 14 PS electric motor, which is situated between the engine and clutch. The electric motor boosts torque at low and medium revs, which gives the Honda CR-Z in-gear flexibility more usually associated with turbocharged engines.

To maximise driver choice and enhance the day to day driveability of the car, the Honda CR-Z is fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. In developing this new facility, Honda allows the driver to adapt the car's settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximise economy, or strike a balance between the two.

Sport buttons have become commonplace, usually offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda's 3-Mode Drive System is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle mapping between the three modes.

When the Honda CR-Z driver is away from the town or city and wanting to enjoy the open road, they can put the car into SPORT mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behaviour of the IMA hybrid system to provide more electric motor assistance and increases the weight of the electric power steering.

At all times the car can be run in NORMAL mode, which provides a balance between performance, economy and emissions and suits most driving situations.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight to guide the driver in driving more economically and ecologically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the Honda CR-Z's meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. In NORMAL mode and ECON mode the speedometer is illuminated blue, glowing green when driven economically. In ECON mode it has a green eco flower lit in the mode indicator. When the speedometer is illuminated in a red ambient light, this indicates the Honda CR-Z is in SPORT mode.

The exterior design of Honda CR-Z deliberately evokes the iconic style of the 1980s CR-X, which was originally developed to provide a small, stylish car that could achieve spectacular economy. Signature features of the CR-X, like the split level rear glass hatch and low shallow raked roofline have been referenced in the design of the sleek coupe and then combined with a curvaceous and deeply sculpted exterior form.

The shallow raked roofline and sharply truncated tail of the Honda CR-Z is a feature shared with many Hondas past and present, including the CR-X, 1999 Insight and the FCX Clarity. All of these cars have been designed to cut through the air with minimal disturbance, reducing drag to lower fuel consumption and emissions. The Honda CR-Zs headlights are accented with LED day time running lights, which are positioned in the lower section of the front lights. This is the first time LED running lights have been applied to the front of any production Honda car and help to emphasise the wide sporting stance of the new hybrid coupe.

The interior of the production car has been influenced by the cabin of the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show Honda CR-Z Concept, especially the 3D speedometer and driver focussed cabin. The high-technology instrument binnacle places all of the commonly used controls close to the driver's hands, allowing full concentration on driving at all times.

Equipment levels on the Honda CR-Z are generous with all grades benefitting from six airbags, active headrests, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. All CR-Zs will also come fitted with Climate Control, 6-speaker CD player, USB iPod® link and an engine start button. Middle and top grades benefit from leather seats, steering wheel audio controls and alloy pedals. Top grades gain Bluetooth® Hands Free Telephone controls, Cruise Control, Panoramic Glass Roof, HID lights and 360W high power audio system - including a boot mounted sub-woofer.

The stylish interior has a 2+2 layout, opening up the possibility of carrying smaller adults for short distances or children on longer journeys. The one-touch motion folding rear seats open up a flat floored cargo area, that gives a surprising 382 litres of cargo space, on a par with most C-segment hatchbacks, allowing a wider range of luggage to be carried. The flexible luggage area also has an under-boot area of 19 litres to stow additional cargo, or store items out of sight.

The chassis was an important factor in the development of the new car, with driver enjoyment being a core part of the design brief. The platform shares some components with the Jazz and Insight models, but the wheelbase, track width and set-up are all unique to the new hybrid. Overall the Honda CR-Z has a 115 mm shorter wheelbase and is 310 mm shorter in overall length than the Insight, enhancing agility and reducing kerb weight by 57 kg compared to its 5-door, five-seat, family car cousin.

The Honda CR-Z suspension features unique, springs and dampers setting and the tolerances are also unique. One of the major detail changes is the adoption of a forged aluminium lower arm in the MacPherson strut front suspension to replace the Insight's pressed steel items. This reduces weight of each wishbone by 2 kg and also increases strength to cope with the wider track width and tyres.

EXTERIOR DESIGN AND BODY
The Honda CR-Z was created from a project to create a sporty coupe for the second decade of the 21st century. The compact dimensions, light weight construction and aerodynamic design brings a dual benefit of improving performance, but also cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

The design has hints of Honda's past with the split level window and shallow sloping roof, combining them with complex curves and deeply scalloped panels that would have been impossible to mass produce just a few years ago.

Modern car design has many constraints placed upon it, with the increasing number of regulations and policies which influence the shape of new models. The major challenge that faced Honda's designers and engineers was to maintain the sleek low bonnet design of the initial design studies, while adopting the 1.5-litre engine with IMA system and complying with pedestrian impact requirements. Honda's engineers worked tirelessly with the designers to reduce the height of the engine, as well as working on suspension and body hard points to allow for sufficient clearance for bonnet deformation.

The wide and low stance is enhanced at the front end by the unusual one piece grille, which extends above and below the front bumper line. This grille is a key feature of the car's "face", with a pronounced raised area of the bonnet flowing from its top line right up to the base of the windscreen. The wide tapering headlights, with day time running lights elegantly integrated into the lower edges, extend towards the edges of the strongly flared wheels arches.

Aerodynamics
The door mirrors are an ultra aerodynamic, shape, supported by a wing form stay, which combine visual appeal, with low drag design. Extensive aerodynamic testing led the design team to the final shape, which integrates a slim indicator repeater to complete the look.

The roof slope and length is critical to the overall aerodynamic performance of a vehicle and the stylists and engineers worked together to create the longest roof length possible without upsetting the overall visual balance of the car.

The curvature and shape of the rear hatch and glass area are a part of the drag reduction measures that have been used throughout the Honda CR-Z's design, as well as bringing a fresh perspective to a signature Honda design feature. Great attention was paid to maximising visibility through the rear hatch and the size and position of the spoiler which divides the two areas was very carefully researched and tested.

Body Structure
To achieve the radical looks of the Honda CR-Z Concept, required innovative solutions to ensure the styling did not compromise the usability or dynamic responses of the Honda CR-Z. The engineers wanted to create a stiff body unit to ensure dynamic responses met the expectations the styling creates. To achieve this, metal gussets are used in critical areas around the front and rear suspension turrets to provide a firm base for excellent suspension control. Furthermore an H-shaped "performance rod" was designed for the rear to increase rear chassis stiffness. The result of these stiffening efforts is a rigidity figure similar to that of the European Civic Type R.

INTERIOR DESIGN
The interior styling of the Honda CR-Z Concept was warmly received and Honda's engineers and stylists were keen to reflect this in the production car.

The cabin of the Honda CR-Z has been designed around a cockpit theme, clustering critical controls close to the driver, creating a sense of purpose and reducing distractions. The upper dashboard section contains all of the controls and dials and is formed from a RIM (Reaction Injection Moulding) moulded black plastic, which has never been used for a Honda dashboard before. This new plastic material gives a pleasing, tactile to the upper dash surfaces.

Instrumentation
The rev-counter forms the centre piece of the dashboard with the speedometer recessed in to the middle of dial. The rev-counter performs a full scale deflection from zero to maximum and back again at start-up, drawing the driver's eye to the instrument binnacle when switching the car on.

Either side of the speedometer and rev counter are the ancillary gauges and displays, for less critical information. To the right of the centre, are the fuel gauge and fuel economy meters and below these is the Multi-Information Display (MID). On the left of the central gauge, are the IMA battery level gauge and the charge/assist gauge, which shows when the motor is assisting, or the battery being recharged.

The MID can display elapsed journey time, current fuel economy, average fuel economy and average speed. The MID can also display the current status of the motor and engine in providing power and the Eco Assist bar, which gives detailed guidance on driving style and avoiding excessive acceleration and braking when economy is the goal. Drivers can also check the economy figures achieved on their previous journeys as well as their progress towards the Eco Assist awards.

The instrument area is framed by two wing-like extensions to the instrument cowl which contains the controls for frequently used equipment, placing them close to the driver's hands. On the left "wing" the controls for the 3-Mode Drive System are clustered alongside the controls for the door mirrors.

Interior Flexibility
The stylish interior has a 2+2 layout which gives the possibility of extending usability beyond that of a two seat car and are also fitted with ISOFIX child seat points. The rear seats have been designed to fold easily and quickly to significantly increase cargo space. The one touch motion folding rear seats can easily be folded, even if standing behind the car, quickly extending beyond the standard 214 litres (VDA) of space. Folding the seats opens up a flat floored cargo area that gives a surprising 382 litres (VDA to window) of cargo space, allowing a wider range of luggage to be carried.

Equipment
Equipment levels on the Honda CR-Z are generous, with all grades benefitting from 6 airbags, active headrests, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, Hill Start Assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards by maintaining brake pressure during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and engaging the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.0 second).

ENGINE AND IMA SYSTEM
The Honda CR-Z is the first car to combine a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and the IMA system, giving excellent fuel economy and great emphasis on driver enjoyment. This 114 PS engine is combined with a 14 PS electric motor which also boosts torque, with an impressive 78 Nm at low to medium engine speeds. The combined power figure peaks at 124 PS with a healthy 174 Nm of torque.

Performance and driver enjoyment can be seen as a conflicting need to good fuel economy and exhaust emissions levels. The CR-Z's 1.5-litre, 16-valve, i-VTEC, petrol engine provides driver enjoyment with its enthusiastic engine note, willingness to rev and broad spread of torque. At the same time its modest capacity, boosted by an electric motor can achieve excellent fuel economy and low overall exhaust emissions, including the all important CO2 emissions. The CR-Z is the first Honda hybrid, since the original 1-litre Insight to use a four valve per cylinder head with the IMA system.

The Honda CR-Z emits just 117 g/km of CO2 on the EU test cycle and consumes just 5.0 l/100km of fuel. This CO2 figure is just 1 g/km higher than the original Civic IMA, an incredible achievement considering the over 30 PS power advantage the CR-Z has over its saloon ancestor.

The Honda CR-Z engine used is based on the 1.5-litre Jazz unit with changes to the valve timing allowing for one intake valve to be deactivated at low engine speeds. This creates an additional swirl effect which enables fast combustion and higher exhaust gas recirculation. The effect of this additional turbulence is to reduce emissions and improve fuel consumption. At higher revs, both intake valves are opened to increase power output.

Numerous small changes are made to the engine to suit the characteristics of the Honda CR-Z, integration of the IMA system and installation in the coupe body. The original engine, as it was installed in the Jazz, would not fit under the low bonnet of the car as it stood. The development engineers developed a new intake manifold and a flat air cleaner assembly, to give sufficient clearance and allow space for pedestrian impact protection.

The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine has not been seen in an EU specification car before and was chosen for its combination of light weight, fuel efficiency and compact size. The block of the 1.5-litre engine is similar to other Jazz engine variants and the Insight meaning that integration of the IMA system is simplified. Because the basic block layout is shared with the 1.3-litre Insight engine, the sump pan that was developed for that car was adopted. This measure assisted the team in the task of reducing the overall engine height and lowering the position in the chassis.

IMA System

The IMA system is shared with the Insight hybrid, but the software and settings have been altered to interact with the 3-Mode Drive System and manual transmission. Although the operating revs are quite different in a manual car, the flexibility of Honda's IMA parallel hybrid system makes integration of different engines and transmissions more straightforward.

The electric motor provides its peak torque instantly from the start, boosting the low end torque of the Honda CR-Z by more than 70 Nm, improving initial acceleration. The torque curve of the new hybrid is unusually flat for a naturally aspirated engine, with the peak arriving at just 1500 rpm, enabling great flexibility at all engine speeds.

The battery pack in the Honda CR-Z is a 100.8 volt Nickel Metal Hydride unit which provides an excellent balance between output, reliability, safety and cost. As with the rest of the system, the battery pack is shared with the incredibly reliable Insight model, which has proved itself to have the lowest warranty claim rate of any Honda car sold in Europe during 2009. At the end of the vehicle life, the battery pack can be recycled through Honda dealers.

Exhaust Design and Tuning
To ensure that drivers would be able to enjoy driving the Honda CR-Z on the open road, the development team dedicated a great deal of time and thought to the design of the exhaust. The brief was not only to create an efficient unit that allowed the optimum operation of the engine to minimise emissions and generate the target power level, but also to produce an enjoyable sound. Because of the diversity of environments, drivers and speeds that the CR-Z was designed for, engineers would not be satisfied with an exhaust that merely had less silencing capacity.

3-Mode Drive System
The Honda CR-Z has been designed to be a car that combines driver enjoyment with excellent urban driving performance and economy. The two major roles of the car can be sometimes in opposition, with characteristics like sharp throttle response and greater steering weight increasing driver satisfaction in open road driving, but possibly proving frustrating in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Honda's engineers have developed the 3-Mode Drive System for the Honda CR-Z, which allows the driver to alter the characteristics of the car depending on their needs and the environment the car is being driven in. By significantly altering the responses of the car, the CR-Z's new system allows drivers to adapt to different road and traffic situations.
SPORT Mode
Sport buttons have become commonplace, usually offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda's 3-Mode Drive System is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle mapping between the three modes.

When the Honda CR-Z driver is away from the town or city and wanting to enjoy the open road, they can put the car into SPORT mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behaviour of the IMA hybrid system to provide more electric motor assistance and increases the weight of the electric power steering.

ECON Mode
Honda recognises that even the most enthusiastic driver may regularly experience heavy traffic, where maximising fuel economy is more desirable than the perfect line through a corner. In these situations ECON mode can be selected, which prioritises fuel economy in the operation of the drive-by-wire throttle, ECU, air conditioning and the hybrid system. For those times when spirited driving is not possible or desirable, the Eco Assist function, in conjunction with the ECON mode, allows the driver to enjoy beating their best economy score on the way to work, or in heavy traffic.

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